Old Sturbridge Village to Host “An Evening of Illumination”

Old Sturbridge Village is inviting visitors to “An evening of Illumination,” where the entire village will be lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight.

"Imagine an evening without the intrusion of texting, telephones, TVs, and computers - where families gathered around the fire and played music, games, or listened quietly as someone read aloud by candlelight. The soft light created a magical mood and drew families together at day's end. Today's hectic schedules rarely allow for quiet time like this in the evening - unless the power goes out in a snowstorm,” said Rhys Simmons, Old Sturbridge Village Director of Interpretation.

The event will take place on two Fridays in January, January 11 and 25.

Guided tours leave every ten minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Evening of Illumination

Costumed interpreters guide visitors by lantern light around the Village Common and into select buildings to enjoy the soft glow of a New England evening, much like early 19th-century residents would have experienced.

Guests will learn how people stayed warm and productive during the winter despite dwindling daylight and long hours of darkness. With light and heat coming only from candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and fireplaces, 19th-century families typically gathered in a single room where the limited light would provide just enough illumination for one person to read aloud to the entire family.

Following the tour, visitors will return to the Bullard Tavern to enjoy light refreshments, mulled cider, and a cash bar.